Focus on Members

Elizabeth and I have been happily married for 10 years. We have two beautiful kids; Isaac, who is 9 years old and Avery, who is 6. We had the privilege to live in Newfoundland and Labrador for four years which was a wonderful experience for all of us. We moved back to Montreal in 2005 when I started working for Rio Tinto Alcan.

Education: Received my diploma in Finance from Dawson College in Montreal and have continued my education by obtaining my CCP designation from the Credit Institute. Since a large portion of my work portfolio is US based I also obtained my CCE designation through NACM.

Career: I have been privileged, so far in my career, to work for exceptional companies. In my 15+ years experience in credit, I have been involved in most areas of credit and collections on a global scope.

Moonlighting: Texas Hold’em upcoming star!

Passions: Huge fan of NFL Football…Go Bears! Love to golf.

Brief Interview with Brian:

TYC: As a designated member of the Credit Institute of Canada, what prompted you to enroll in the certification program to earn the Certified Credit Professional (CCP) designation and become involved with your local chapter?

BB: As is the case for most Credit Professionals, I did not leave school with the aspiration of becoming a Credit Manager. In my first job, I dabbled in AR and AP functions. As I focused more in AR and collections, I discovered that I enjoyed what I was doing and that you could make a career from credit management. When I started out in credit, my boss at the time, who was a mentor to me, shared with me the potential in this field and through his vast experience encouraged me to pursue this career path. Even with a college/university diploma there are areas of credit that are not covered in general accounting/finance/business law courses. In order to take my career to the next level, it became apparent that additional specialized training was necessary. I was directed to the Credit Institute for that training. I enrolled in the CCP program and after many tough years I was successful in obtaining my CCP designation.

For me, being involved in the chapter and the CCP program were natural paths to take in order to be the best Credit Professional possible. Through networking with credit professionals within the chapter you come to realize that many issues that you may be dealing with, at your job, someone else may have gone through the same thing last year and you are able to bounce ideas off each other. Not only is my involvement in the chapter a way of networking with peers, but also find that open discussions is a form of education in itself.

TYC: How has the CCP education prepared you to succeed in your career?

BB: I think that the CCP program has given me a major building block in my career path. I am very appreciative of this program that the Institute offers and in many ways being involved in the chapter and at the National level is a way for me to give back and hopefully help the Institute become even stronger in our core objective – Educate. Everything starts here. By offering our members and potential members the best program possible it will increase our membership and also our goodwill (brand recognition) within the business community.

TYC: What advice would you give to our young credit professionals in their pursuit of a successful career?

BB: For people coming into the credit field I would humbly offer the following advice:

Always work with integrity. This will speak volumes in your career.

Be prepared to work and work hard. There are no free rides in credit.

Stay current. Our economic environment is changing daily; by getting your CCP designation and continue to learn through seminars, conferences, etc. it will keep you one step ahead.

TYC: In your opinion, how important is it to have a firm commitment to lifelong learning?

BB: It is extremely important in any area. Lifelong learning, in my opinion, is a must. It keeps you current and equipped to deal with the ever changing market we live in.

TYC: In few words, what lessons can credit professionals learn from the on-going global credit crisis that started in the U.S.?

BB: This current credit crisis may have started in the US but it has quickly become a global credit crisis. It is imperative that we remain vigilant in our jobs, know your customers and their customers. Don’t be afraid to ask them the tough questions. No company is isolated from this. During the next few years credit will definitely be a focus for companies.

Members on the Move

John McKeown, previously with Anixter Canada, accepted a position as Credit Assessment Manager with Shell Canada Limited.

Nick Fabiano, CCP, previously with Form Build Supply, accepted a position as Credit Manager with Hensall District Co-Operative.